Development of a digital intervention for psychedelic preparation (DIPP).
Rosalind McAlpine, Matthew D. Sacchet, Otto Simonsson, Maisha M. Khan, Katarina Krajnović, Larisa Morometescu, Sunjeev K. Kamboj
Scientific Reports February 19, 2024 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54642-4 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Mixed-methods study with qualitative interviews and co-design workshops Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 47 |
| Population | Past and current attendees of high-dose psilocybin retreats |
| Intervention | Digital Intervention for Psychedelic Preparation (DIPP) |
| Duration | 21-day digital course |
| Topics | Meditation Psilocybin Psychedelic-assisted therapy |
| Keywords | Digital intervention Person-centred Psychedelic preparedness Psychedelics Digital health interventions Co-designed programs Therapeutic preparation Mindfulness meditation |
| Citations | 13 |
| Key findings | A co-produced 21-day digital course (DIPP) was developed to enhance psychedelic preparedness, incorporating daily meditation, module exercises, and mood tracking. |
Abstract
Psychedelic substances induce profound alterations in consciousness. Careful preparation is therefore essential to limit adverse reactions, enhance therapeutic benefits, and maintain user safety. This paper describes the development of a self-directed, digital intervention for psychedelic preparation. Drawing on elements from the UK Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for developing complex interventions, the design was informed by a four-factor model of psychedelic preparedness, using a person-centred approach. Our mixed-methods investigation consisted of two studies. The first involved interviews with 19 participants who had previously attended a 'high-dose' psilocybin retreat, systematically exploring their preparation behaviours and perspectives on the proposed intervention. The second study engaged 28 attendees of an ongoing psilocybin retreat in co-design workshops, refining the intervention protocol using insights from the initial interviews. The outcome is a co-produced 21-day digital course (Digital Intervention for Psychedelic Preparation (DIPP)), that is organised into four modules: Knowledge-Expectation, Psychophysical-Readiness, Safety-Planning, and Intention-Preparation. Fundamental components of the course include daily meditation practice, supplementary exercises tied to the weekly modules, and mood tracking. DIPP provides a comprehensive and scalable solution to enhance psychedelic preparedness, aligning with the broader shift towards digital mental health interventions.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on psilocybin and meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participant Reports of Mindfulness, Posttraumatic Growth, and Social Connectedness in Psilocybin-Assisted Group Therapy: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis Gay-identified cisgender men with HIV diagnosed before 1996 and clinically significant... | 2021 | Qualitative study, interpretive phenomenological analysis | n = 9 |
| Altered states of leadership: mindfulness meditation, psychedelic use, and leadership development. Adults in the US and UK with a management position as their primary work role | 2023 | Cross-sectional survey with quantitative and qualitative analyses | n = 3,150 |
| Sense-Making Around Psilocybin in UK Women Experiencing Cancer-Related Existential Distress: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Females in the United Kingdom with a current or previous diagnosis of cancer | 2026 | Qualitative study | n = 7 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 15
- Coming back together: a qualitative survey study of coping and support strategies used by people to cope with extended difficulties after the use of psychedelic drugs Frontiers in Psychology May 28, 2024
- An investigation into the varieties of extended difficulties following psychedelic drug use: Duration, severity and helpful coping strategies Journal of Psychedelic Studies December 3, 2024
- Practitioner perspectives on extended difficulties and optimal support strategies following psychedelic experiences: a qualitative analysis. Harm Reduction Journal December 9, 2025
- Psychedelic Churches Need Philosophy of Religion Religions May 19, 2025
- Practitioner perspectives on extended difficulties and optimal support strategies following psychedelic experiences: A qualitative analysis Research Square May 13, 2025
and 10 more in the library
Cites 36
- Psilocybin induces schizophrenia-like psychosis in humans via a serotonin-2 agonist action Neuroreport December 1, 1998
- Quality of Acute Psychedelic Experience Predicts Therapeutic Efficacy of Psilocybin for Treatment-Resistant Depression Frontiers in Pharmacology January 17, 2018
- Survey study of challenging experiences after ingesting psilocybin mushrooms: Acute and enduring positive and negative consequences Journal of Psychopharmacology August 31, 2016
- Predicting Responses to Psychedelics: A Prospective Study Frontiers in Pharmacology November 2, 2018
- Phenomenology, Structure, and Dynamic of Psychedelic States Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences 2016
and 31 more in the library